System And Method for Visualization of Ocular Anatomy

ABSTRACT

A system for visualization of eye anatomy includes at least one camera having a view vector along a first axis when in a first position, a housing to which the camera is coupled, wherein the housing engages the head of a patient such that the camera is positioned adjacent an eye of the patient, and an actuator that moves the camera from the first position to a second position with a view vector along a second axis that is offset from the first axis. A method of visualization of eye anatomy includes engaging a patient&#39;s head with a housing, positioning at least one camera coupled to the housing adjacent an eye, wherein the camera has a view vector along a first axis when in a first position, and moving the camera to a second position with a view vector along a second axis that is offset from the first axis.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to systems and methods for visualizing eyeanatomy for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. More specifically, thepresent invention relates to a system and method of visualizing eyeanatomy by using one or more articulatable cameras to scan the eye usingone or more spectrums and one or more wavelengths to provide wide anglefields of view of the eye anatomy to enable diagnostic and therapeuticinterventions.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Diabetic retinopathy is a disease characterized by damages to retinacaused by complications of diabetes. The retina is a nerve layer thatlines the back of the human eye. It is the part of the eye that capturesthe visual images and sends the images to the brain.

Diabetic retinopathy can be a serious condition and can often lead topoor vision or even blindness if not treated timely. Diabeticretinopathy is typically caused by changes in retinal blood vessels,which are induced by high blood sugar levels in a diabetic patient.These changes lead to improper formation of the blood-retinal barrierand make the retinal blood vessels become weak and more permeable.

A problem with diagnosing diabetic retinopathy is that it typicallybegins at the periphery of the retina, which is difficult to see, andthen works its way towards the center of the retina, at which point itcan be too late to treat and blindness can set in. Physicians often usemicroscope-like devices with or without an attached camera that have afixed field of view (typically between 20-50 degrees) to try to diagnosediabetic retinopathy using the visible light spectrum. However, suchexamination sometimes does not reveal signs of retinopathy present atthe periphery of the retina because of the limited field of view ofthese cameras. Additionally, they typically use cameras, e.g. CCDcameras that are very bulky and cumbersome to use. Thus, in order to seethe periphery of the retina, it is desirable to increase the field ofview when diagnosing retinopathy, while still utilizing a fairly simpledevice. It is also desirable to expand the number of spectrums andwavelengths to identify aspects of eye anatomy and pathology not foundin the visible spectrum and associated wavelengths currently beingemployed.

There are few newer technologies that have been developed for moreaccurately diagnosing diabetic retinopathy. One such technology is acoherence tomography technology, as disclosed, for example, in US2012/0127427 by Guo et al. This is an imaging technology similar toregular ultrasound. It utilizes an optical beam that is directed at eyetissue and a small portion of light that reflects from sub-surfacestructures is collected to re-create a 3D image of the retina. Whilethis technique has many advantages, the equipment is very complex andexpensive, making it not easily accessible to all patients and clinics.Further, a patient's pupil needs to be dilated during the procedure,which makes it more uncomfortable for the patient.

Another newer type of an imaging technique is a confocal scanning laserophthalmoscope, which creates an image of the retina with a high degreeof spatial sensitivity. Again, while this technique has many advantages,the required equipment is typically extremely cumbersome and expensive.

Yet another type of a retina imaging device is described in WO2012/088424 by Busuioc et al. The device includes a camera having a bodyand at least one optical sensor provided on the body and configured toreceive light directly from a lens of an eye. The optical sensor can bepositioned closer or further away from the eye to focus the camera.While this device is rather simple and inexpensive, it still suffersfrom a number of disadvantages. For example, because the camera remainsin the same position relative the surface of the eye, still only alimited angle of view of the eye anatomy can be captured. Additionally,because the camera does not utilize a lens, the quality of image of theeye anatomy obtained by the camera is fairly low.

Therefore, while various newer optical imaging techniques provideimproved imaging capabilities, there is still a need for a simpler andmore affordable device and method that allows for a simplified butaccurate imaging of a person's retina to detect symptoms of diabeticretinopathy in addition to other eye diseases.

Additionally, it is possible that diseases of the body can be detectedby finding trace elements of their existence by visualizing the anatomyof the eye. Alzheimer's disease is a neurodegenerative diseasecharacterized by an increase of tiny inclusions in the nerve tissue,called plaques. These plaques are found between the dying cells in thebrain from the build-up of a protein called beta-amyloid. Beta amyloidprotein has been found to aggregate in the lens of the eye. Accordingly,the ability to detect and measure beta amyloid aggregates in the eyecreates an opportunity to detect and diagnose the onset of Alzheimer'sdisease.

Conformational diseases, which include more than 40 disorders, aretypically caused by the accumulation of unfolded or misfolded proteins.Improper protein folding or a so-called misfolding, together withaccrual of unfolded proteins, leads to the formation of disordered(amorphous) or ordered (amyloid fibril) aggregates. Characteristic lateor episodic onset of the conformational diseases is caused by thegradual accumulation of protein aggregates and the acceleration of theirformation by stress. The best studied conformational diseases areneurodegenerative diseases and amyloidosis, which are accompanied by thedeposition of specific aggregation-prone proteins or protein fragmentsand formation of insoluble fibrils. Amyloidogenic protein accumulationoften occurs in the brain tissues. For example, Alzheimer's disease isassociated with deposition of amyloid-beta and Tau, scrapie and bovinespongiform encephalopathy is associated with accumulation of prionprotein, and Parkinson's disease is associated with deposition ofalpha-synuclein. The accumulation of unfolded or misfolded proteins,which leads to pathology, also takes place in a variety of other organsand tissues, including different parts of the eye. Some of the beststudied ocular conformational diseases include cataract in the lens andretinitis pigmentosa in the retina. However, deposition and accumulationof unfolded or misfolded proteins also occurs in other parts of the eyecausing various disorders. Ocular manifestation of systemic amyloidosiscan also cause deposition of amyloidogenic proteins in different oculartissues.

Therefore, it is also an objective of this invention to create animaging device that utilizes one or more scanning cameras with one ormore spectrums combined with one or more wavelengths to visualizenaturally unfolded and misfolded proteins in eye tissues, as well asother biological material, and to detect their structures and molecularmechanisms underlying their involvement in diseases.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The system and method of the present invention provides a number ofadvantages over the known optical imaging systems. On one hand, it isinexpensive and easy to use, thereby not requiring highly specializedtraining of physicians and making it more affordable to clinicians andpatients. On the other hand, the device of the present invention allowsan examining physician to obtain a much wider field of view as comparedto conventional imaging techniques, thereby making the early diagnosisof diabetic retinopathy more likely. In addition, the system and methodprovides clinicians the ability to use one or more spectrums and one ormore wavelengths to visualize the anatomy of the eye.

In order to overcome the deficiencies of the prior art and to achieve atleast some of the objects and advantages listed, the invention comprisesa system for visualization of eye anatomy, including at least one camerahaving a view vector along a first axis when in a first position, ahousing to which the at least one camera is coupled, wherein the housingis configured to engage the head of a patient such that the at least onecamera is positioned adjacent an eye of the patient, and an actuatorthat moves the at least one camera from the first position to a secondposition, wherein the at least one camera, when in the second position,has a view vector along a second axis that is offset from the firstaxis.

In certain advantageous embodiments, the second axis is angularly offsetfrom the first axis. In other advantageous embodiments, the second axisis substantially parallel to the first axis.

In certain embodiments, the system further includes a processor thatprocesses image data captured by the at least one camera.

In some embodiments, the at least one camera includes a plurality ofcameras positioned adjacent the same eye of the patient. In certain ofthese embodiments, each of the plurality of cameras moves separatelyfrom the other cameras. In additional of these embodiments, theplurality of cameras moves together as a unit.

In certain embodiments, the system further includes a screen coupled tothe housing between the at least one camera and the eye, wherein thescreen displays an image in at least one of a 2-D format and 3-D formatto the user. In some of these embodiments, the image is a static image.In additional of these embodiments, the image is a dynamic image.

In some cases, the system further includes at least one illuminationdevice positioned adjacent to the at least one camera. In certain ofthese cases, the at least one illumination device includes a lightsource having at least one of a visible, ultraviolet, infrared and nearinfrared spectrum.

In certain advantageous embodiments, the housing is a standalone unitfurther including a positioning member for positioning the eye relativeto the at least one camera. In other advantageous embodiments, thehousing is configured as eyewear further including one or more mountingmembers for positioning the eyewear on the patient's head.

In some embodiments, the system further includes a storage device thatstores image data captured by the at least one camera.

In certain embodiments, the system also has a display coupled to theprocessor for displaying image data captured by the at least one camerato a physician.

In some cases, the actuator moves the at least one camera from the firstposition to a third position, wherein the camera has a view vector alongthe first axis when in the third position.

In certain embodiments, the at least one camera includes at least onelens and at least one imaging sensor. In some of these embodiments, theimaging sensor is a CMOS sensor.

In some embodiments, the actuator includes a track coupled to thehousing and a moving member coupled to the at least one camera, whereinthe moving member moves along the track.

In certain embodiments, the actuator is a ball and socket type actuatorthat enables rotary movement of the at least one camera in alldirections.

In some cases, the at least one camera captures a field of view of atleast 180 degrees when moved from the first position to the secondposition.

In some embodiments, the eye is a first eye of the patient, furthercomprising at least one additional camera coupled to the housing suchthat, when the at least one camera is positioned adjacent the first eyeof the patient, the at least one additional camera is positionedadjacent a second eye of the patient.

In some cases, the at least one camera adjacent the first eye movesseparately from the at least one additional camera adjacent the secondeye, and in other cases, the at least one camera adjacent the first eyeand the at least one additional camera adjacent the second eye movetogether as a unit.

In certain embodiments, the system further includes a tracking systemconfigured to track movement of the eye. In additional embodiments, thesystem further includes a tracking system configured to track movementof at least one structure and/or material within the eye.

A method of visualization of eye anatomy is also provided, including thesteps of engaging a patient's head with a housing having at least onecamera coupled thereto such that the at least one camera is positionedadjacent to an eye of the patient, wherein the at least one camera has aview vector along a first axis when in a first position, and moving theat least one camera to a second position, wherein the at least onecamera, when in the second position, has a view vector along a secondaxis that is offset from the first axis.

A method of visualization of eye anatomy is also provided, including thesteps of positioning at least one camera adjacent to an eye of apatient, wherein the at least one camera has a view vector along a firstaxis when in a first position, and moving the at least one camera to asecond position, wherein the at least one camera, when in the secondposition, has a view vector along a second axis that is offset from thefirst axis.

In some embodiments, the method further includes the step of capturingimage data by the at least one camera.

In certain advantageous embodiments, the second axis is angularly offsetfrom the first axis. In other advantageous embodiments, the second axisis substantially parallel to the first axis.

In certain embodiments, the at least one camera includes a plurality ofcameras. In some of these embodiments, the step of moving the at leastone camera includes moving each of the plurality of cameras separatelyfrom the other cameras. In additional of these embodiments, the step ofmoving the at least one camera includes moving the plurality of camerastogether as a unit.

In some cases, the eye is a first eye of the patient, and the methodfurther comprises the step of positioning at least one additional cameraadjacent a second eye of the patient.

In some embodiments, the at least one camera is coupled to a housinghaving a screen between the at least one camera and the eye of thepatient, and the method further comprises the step of displaying animage via the screen. In certain of these embodiments, the image is astatic image. In additional of these embodiments, the image is a dynamicimage.

In certain embodiments, the method also includes the step of storingimage data captured by the at least one camera on a storage device. Infurther embodiments, the method further includes the step oftransmitting image data captured by the at least one camera to a remotelocation for display to a user and/or storage.

In some cases, the method further includes the step of displaying to auser image data captured by the at least one camera. In some of theseembodiments, the image data displayed to the user is an image includingtwo or more images captured by the at least one camera, wherein two ormore images are at least partially combined to create the displayedimage.

In certain embodiments, the method further includes the step ofilluminating the eye anatomy via at least one illumination devicepositioned adjacent the at least one imaging device. In some of theseembodiments, the at least one illumination device includes a lightsource having at least one of a visible, ultraviolet, infrared and nearinfrared spectrum.

In some embodiments, the method further includes the step of moving theat least one camera from the first position to a third position, whereinthe camera has a view vector along the first axis when in the thirdposition.

In some cases, the method further includes the step of measuring adiameter of an iris and adjusting the position of the at least onecamera based on the measured diameter.

In certain embodiments, the method further includes the step of trackingmovement of the eye and adjusting positioning of the at least one camerabased on the movement of the eye. In other embodiments, the methodfurther includes the step of tracking movement of at least one structureand/or material within the eye and adjusting positioning of the at leastone camera based on the movement of the at least one structure and/ormaterial within the eye.

Other objects of the invention and its particular features andadvantages will become more apparent from consideration of the followingdrawings and accompanying detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front view of a system for visualization of eye anatomy inaccordance with the present invention positioned on a person's head.

FIG. 2 is top view of the system for visualization of eye anatomy ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a rear view of the system for visualization of eye anatomy ofFIG. 1.

FIGS. 4A-4F are pupil views of various configurations of cameras andillumination devices of the system for visualization of eye anatomy ofFIG. 1.

FIGS. 5A and 5B are exploded perspective views of a camera used in thesystem for visualization of eye anatomy of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6A is a schematic front view of a person's eye.

FIGS. 6B-E are partially isometric and schematic views of the camera ofFIGS. 5A-B moving relative to the eye.

FIGS. 6F-H are schematic views of different types of images captured bythe camera used in the system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7A is an enlarged perspective view of the camera of the system forvisualization of eye anatomy of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view of the camera of FIG. 7A, taken alongthe line “7B-7B”.

FIG. 8 is a partially schematic view of the system of FIG. 1 positionedin front of a person's eye.

FIG. 9 is a side view of another housing embodiment of the system forvisualization of eye anatomy in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a front view of the system of FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a side view of a further housing embodiment of the system forvisualization of eye anatomy in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 12 is another side view of the system of FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a front view of the system of FIG. 11.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The basic components of one exemplary embodiment of a system forvisualization of eye anatomy in accordance with the invention areillustrated in FIGS. 1-3. As used in the description, the terms “top,”“bottom,” “above,” “below,” “over,” “under,” “above,” “beneath,” “ontop,” “underneath,” “up,” “down,” “upper,” “lower,” “front,” “rear,”“back,” “forward” and “backward” refer to the objects referenced when inthe orientation illustrated in the drawings, which orientation is notnecessary for achieving the objects of the invention.

The system and method of the present invention uses an imager that ismanually or mechanically articulatable by the physician to obtain a wideview angle of at least 180 degrees, thereby allowing examination of theperiphery of the retina to detect early signs of diabetic retinopathy.It is understood that the system may also be used to image the eyeanatomy for any other therapeutic and/or diagnostic purpose.

In some cases, it is useful to detect, observe and analyze varioustissue deposits in the eye to diagnose and treat various diseases of theeye and other organs. For example, depositions of lipids, crystals,proteins and other artifacts in the eye may provide useful informationregarding various diseases of the body. The ability to detect, measureand analyze these deposits by visualizing the anatomy of the eye createsan opportunity to detect and diagnose various diseases of the eye andother organs and systems.

The present invention can identify changes in the geography of the eye,including atrophy, emaciation, and swelling. Furthermore, the presentinvention allows for detection and analysis of various conditions of theeye, such as, for example, hydration, innervations, inflammation,circulation, nerve conduction, etc. Each of these conditions istypically caused by one or more diseases, and being able to visualizeand measure these conditions in the eye provides very useful informationregarding the cause, extent and diagnosis of various diseases of thebody.

As shown in FIG. 1, the system for visualization of eye anatomy (10) isconfigured as eyewear that is placed on a person's head (14). The systemincludes a housing (12) that has two coupling members (16) for couplingone or more cameras to the housing, as shown in FIG. 2. The housing maybe made with any suitable material, such as, for example, plastic ormetal material, and may have any desirable shape. In one advantageousembodiment shown, the housing has a shape of typical eyeglasses. Thehousing further includes one or more mounting members (18), such astemples, for positioning the housing (12) on a person's head. It isnoted that, in other embodiments, the housing may be configured as eyewear, or may be a hand-held device, as discussed in more detail below.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, each of the coupling members (16) ispositioned on the housing (12) such that it is placed adjacent each eyeof the person wearing the device (10). Each of the coupling members (16)includes at least one camera (20) coupled to the member (16). In someadvantageous embodiments, such as shown in this figure, each of thecoupling members (16) also includes at least one illumination device(22) positioned adjacent the cameras (20) to illuminate tissue insidethe eye to facilitate better imaging of the eye anatomy.

Any desirable configurations of the cameras (20) and the illuminationdevices (22) may be provided in accordance with the present invention.Some exemplary configurations are shown in FIGS. 4A-4F. In theembodiments illustrated in these figures, two, three, or four cameras(20) may be used to image a single eye. The cameras (20) may bepositioned in any desirable configuration, such as in line or in a shapeof a triangle or a square. One, two, three, four or five illuminationdevices (22) may be used together with any number and configuration ofthe cameras (20), and the illumination devices (22) may be have anydesirable orientation with respect to the cameras. It is noted that thenumbers and configurations of the cameras and illumination devices shownin these figures are only exemplary, and that any other number and/orarrangement of the cameras and illumination devices may be used inaccordance with the present invention.

The camera (20) may comprise any imaging device suitable for viewing thetarget area, such as a coherent fiber bundle or appropriate opticalelement and lens assembly in conjunction with an imaging sensor (e.g.,CMOS, CCD), having a sufficiently small outer diameter, preferably about0.75 mm-2.5 mm, and more preferably about 1 mm or less. For example, thesystem of the present invention may utilize a proprietary camera, suchas is described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,226,601 to Gunday et al. and U.S.Pat. No. 8,597,239 and U.S. Pat. No. 8,540,667 to Gerrans et al. It isnoted that, in some embodiments, only one camera may be used to imagethe anatomy of patient's one eye.

One advantageous camera embodiment is illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B.The camera includes a camera housing (62) that houses all cameracomponents. The housing (62) is made with any suitable material, such asplastic or metal, and has any desired shape and size. The camera alsoincludes one or more lens positioned in the housing. In the embodimentshown in these figures, the camera includes two plano-convex lenses (64)and (66) positioned opposite of each other such that the convex sides ofthe lenses are facing each other. It is understood that any other lenstype and arrangement may be used in accordance with the presentinvention, as desired.

The camera (60) further includes an imaging sensor (68) positionedproximally from the lens (64) and (66). Any type of imaging sensor maybe used. The imaging sensor (68) is coupled a sensor mount (70) tofixate the sensor inside the housing. In one advantageous embodiment, aCMOS sensor is used. The housing (62) also has one or more illuminationdevices (72), e.g. LEDs, lasers, and/or fiber optic cables, positioneddistally from the lens. It is understood than other types ofillumination devices may be used. The illumination devices emit varioustypes of light, depending on desired application. For example, theillumination devices may emit ambient light, visible spectrum light,ultraviolet light, infrared light, near infrared light, etc. A distalend of the housing (62) has a pupil relay system (74) that seals thedistal end of the housing to protect the camera components positioned inthe housing.

It is understood that the camera design illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5Bis only exemplary and that any other camera design may be used with thesystem of the present invention. The camera is coupled to an actuatorthat enables a linear or rotational movement of the camera, as describedin more detail below, to provide a larger angle of view.

As described above, the system of the present invention allowsexamination of the eye anatomy using light of various spectrums andvarious wavelengths. This allows for detection, visualization andcharacterization of various tissues, structures, and molecular compoundsthat may be present in the eye, which in turn lead to diagnosis ofvarious eye and body diseases. This is due to the fact that varioustissues and structures that may be present in the eye absorb and/ordeflect light of various spectrum and/or wavelengths in different ways.Analysis of the light scattering thereby provides information aboutparticular tissues and structures present in the eye. The system of thepresent invention also allows for detection and characterization ofchanges in eye anatomy over time, which may be caused by variousdiseases. The system is capable of measuring color saturation of thelight emitted onto the target tissues and also measures scattering oflight deflected from the target tissues in the eye.

As noted above, the system of the present invention may utilize aplurality of illumination devices or light sources. In some embodiments,all of the light sources emit light of the same spectrum/wavelength. Inadditional embodiments, each of the plurality of light sources emitslight of a different spectrum/wavelength than the light emitted by otherlight sources. This allows for detection and characterization of variousstructures and conditions inside the eye, as described above.

In some advantageous embodiments, the system of the present inventionutilizes a continuous wave/stream of light. In other advantageousembodiments, the system uses a pulsed light, wherein the light emittingdevices positioned on the system adjacent the cameras emit pulses oflight at a desired frequency. The cameras may capture image data aftereach pulse of light, or at particular intervals after a certain numberof light pulses. In further advantageous embodiments, the same lightsources may emit light in both continuous wave and pulsed waves, asdesired, and/or some of the light sources may emit light continuouslyand other light sources may emit light in pulsed waves.

Referring back to FIG. 3, the system (10) further includes a processor(26) coupled to one or more cameras (20) for receiving and processingimage data captured by the cameras. Any suitable processor may be usedin accordance with the present invention. For example, the processor(26) may be a personal computer. The digital image data captured by theimaging sensor positioned on the cameras (20) is transmitted to theprocessor for analysis and for creating images that are displayed to thephysician. One of the techniques that are may be utilized to process thecaptured digital data is spectroscopy, which analyzes interactionbetween matter and radiated energy. By utilizing spectroscopytechniques, it is possible to digitally process spectrums andwavelengths reflected from the eye to detect and characterize variouselements present in the eye.

In one advantageous embodiment, the processor (26) is connected to thecameras (20) via a cable or wired connection (28). In additionaladvantageous embodiments, the processor (26) is connected to the cameras(20) via a wireless, e.g. cellular or satellite, connection (30), whichis desirable if a physician is located remotely from a patient, whoseeye anatomy is being examined. For example, the system of the presentinvention may be used by a patient in his or her home to capture imagesof the eye anatomy and then wirelessly transmit the data to the remotelylocated physician for analysis. Or the system of the present inventionmay be used by physicians located in field conditions, such as on abattle field, wherein there is no time or accessibility to analyze thecaptured eye anatomy data. The physicians utilize the cameras to capturethe image data and then send it wirelessly to remote locations foranalysis. In further advantageous embodiments, the captured image datamay be stored in cloud storage, meaning that the digital data is storedin logical pools, with the physical storage typically spanning acrossmultiple servers managed by a hosting company. This way, the data may beeasily access from any location connected to the cloud storage, such asphysicians' and patients' personal computers, tablets and smart phones.

Furthermore, the cameras (20) and/or the processor (26) may be connectedto an external storage device, a removable storage device, and/or to aninternet port. The image data captured by the cameras is stored on thestorage device (44) and may be later retrieved by a user. In otheradvantageous embodiments, the processor (26) may have an internalstorage device. Any suitable storage device may be used in accordancewith the present invention.

In some embodiments, the image data is compressed before it istransmitted to the processor for processing or stored. In other words,the imaging data is encoded using fewer bits than the originallycaptured data to reduce resource usage, such as data storage space ortransmission capacity. Once the compressed data is received by theprocessor, it is decompressed before it is displayed to the user tomaintain the original quality of the captured images.

The system (10) may further include a display (32) coupled to theprocessor (26) via a cable connection (34) or via a wireless connection(36). The display (32) receives imaging data processed by the processor(26) and displays the image of the person's eye anatomy in 2-D formatand 3-D format to a physician. Any suitable type of a display may beused in accordance with the present invention.

In one advantageous embodiment, such as shown in FIG. 3, the system (10)further includes a user interface (38) coupled to the processor (26).The user interface (38) may be a graphical user interface (GUI), akeyboard, or any other suitable device that allows a user to inputinformation and commands. The user interface is connected to theprocessor via a cable connection (40) or via a wireless connection (42).In some embodiments, the user interface (38) is displayed on the display(32) as on overlay image.

The system (10) of the present invention further includes an actuatorcoupled to each camera for moving the camera in different directions. Inparticular, the camera can be moved from a first position, in which thecamera has a view vector along a first axis, to a second position, inwhich the camera has a view vector along a second axis that is offsetfrom the first axis, as further discussed below in reference to FIGS.6B, 6D, and 6E. Movement of the camera from the first position to thesecond position allows the physician to obtain an increased field ofview of the patient's eye, and in particular, the patient's retina. Inadvantageous embodiments, this increased field of view is at least 180degrees. In some cases, the total, combined field of view is 200 degreesor more.

In one advantageous embodiment, the actuator is capable of moving thecameras in a direction substantially parallel to at least one of ahorizontal axis (50) of the eye (46) and a vertical axis (48) of the eye(46), as shown in FIG. 6A.

As shown in FIG. 6B, the camera (20) moves from a first position havinga view vector along the first axis (610) to a second position having aview vector along a second axis (620), wherein the second axis (620) issubstantially parallel to the first axis (610). This motion can be sideto side, as depicted in FIG. 6B, the motion can also be up and down, asdepicted in FIG. 6D, such that the camera (20) similarly moves from afirst position having a view vector along first axis (640) to a secondposition having a view vector along second axis (650), wherein secondaxis (650) is substantially parallel to first axis (640). These motionscan occur whether the camera (20) itself is pointed straight ahead orpivoted at an angle.

As shown in FIG. 6E, the camera (20) is moved from a first positionhaving a view vector along a first axis (660) to a second positionhaving a view vector along a second axis (670), wherein the second axis(670) is angularly offset from the first axis (660).

As shown in FIG. 6C, in additional advantageous embodiments, asdiscussed further below, the actuator is also capable of positioning thecameras at a desired distance from the eye. In these embodiments, thecameras move from the first position to a third position, in which thecameras have a view vector along the same axis (630) as when the camerais in the first position.

In some advantageous embodiments, one or more mosaic cameras are used tocapture an image of the eye anatomy. The mosaic cameras have thestructure described above or any other suitable structure. Each camera(340, 350) captures an image (310, 320) of the eye anatomy. The capturedimages are then sent to the processor, which processes the image dataand displays the image to the user on a display. The images (310, 320)from each camera are laid over one another to produce a single image(330), as shown in FIG. 6F, which is displayed to the user. This allowsthe user to see an image of the eye anatomy having different depthsand/or 3D characteristics.

In additional embodiments, images captured by two or more cameras are“stitched” together when displayed to the user to provide for a moredetailed image of the eye anatomy. For example, as shown in FIG. 6G, afirst image (360) captured by a first camera and a second image (370)captured by a second camera are “stitched” or merged together to providea single image (380), which is then displayed to the physician. Thisimage (380) provides a much wider and detailed field of view of the eyeanatomy as compared to a single camera image. It is understood that theimages (360, 370) may be captured by the same camera positioned atdifferent angles and/or distances from the eye, and then the images arecombined to produce a stitched image.

As shown in FIG. 6H, the composite image (400) displayed to the user maycomprise multiple image segments “stitched” together, in this case nineimage segments (410, 420, 430, 440, 450, 460, 470, 480, 490). In someembodiments, each of the nine image segments is captured by a separatecamera. In other embodiments, the image segments are captured by asingle camera or by any desired number of cameras. Once the capturedimage data is sent to the processor, the image segments are combinedinto one composite image to provide a larger picture of the eye anatomyand allow the physicians to view more surface area of the eye. Theincreased viewing area of the eye is essential for identifying anddiagnosing various eye conditions.

One or more cameras (20) of the present invention may capture multipleimages of the eye by “scanning” the eye. In other words, the camera (20)moves across the eye taking a series of consecutive images with anautofocus. These images are then displayed separately, or overlaid overone another to provide a 3D image, or are combined to provide acomposite image, as described above. In one embodiment, the camera (20)moves in a direction substantially parallel to a horizontal axis of theeye and/or a vertical axis of the eye, as shown in FIG. 6A. In otherembodiments, the camera moves in any desired direction with respect tothe eye.

Two or more cameras may also be used to “scan” the eye. In someembodiments, two cameras are used wherein each camera is positioned at adifferent angle towards the eye. The cameras may start in a positionwherein their view vectors overlap inside the eye, such as shown in FIG.6E, and then move outwards such that the view vectors of each cameramove away from each other, or diverging. This will provide an initialoverlapping image and a series of subsequent images capturing theanatomy of the outer edges of the eye, which can then be combined or“stitched” together to provide a detailed composite image of the eye. Inother embodiments, the two cameras start in a position where their viewvectors are directed away from each other and then move towards eachother until their view vectors overlap, or converge.

In another advantageous embodiment of the present invention, stereocamera is used to visualize the eye anatomy. The stereo camera includestwo or more lenses, each with a separate image sensor. This allows thecamera to simulate human binocular vision, making it possible to capturethree-dimension images. The two or more image sensors are CMOS typesensors or any other suitable sensors, used together with one or moreillumination sources. Each of the sensors captures an image from adifferent angle/position with respect to the eye. Then, the images areprocessed and displayed to the user as a single 3D image.

The device of the present invention utilizes a tracking system to trackthe motion of the eye and within the eye to adjust the cameras (20) toalways obtain a clear and accurate image of the eye anatomy. Twodifferent types of the tracking system are used. A first tracking systemutilizes one or more cameras that track the motion of the eyeballitself. In order words, when the patient moves hers/his eyeball to lookin a different direction, the cameras automatically adjust to thatmovement. This is accomplished by locating and recording certainlandmarks or biomarkers within the eye, such as, for example 3 o'clockand 5 o'clock positions of the pupil, and then tracking the movement ofthose landmarks or biomarkers to determine a new position. Any suitabletracking mechanism may be use to accomplish this step. Then, the camerasand/or the entire housing moves to adjust the position with respect tothe eye. It is understood that any other suitable tracking points orlandmarks within the eye may also be used in this system.

A second tracking system tracks any motion within the eye. For example,the system tracks dilation/contraction of an iris and/or pupil of theeye, or movement of protein or crystalline material or other structureswithin the eye. This is accomplished by focusing one or more cameras ona particular structure or tissue in the eye and then automaticallyadjusting the position of the cameras as the structures/tissues movewithin the eye to maintain a laser focus on moving structures and/ortissues. Again, any suitable tracking mechanism is used for this step.In advantageous embodiments, both the first and second tracking systemsare used in combination to track movement of the eye and structureswithin the eye to obtain a clear and accurate image of the eye anatomy.

Various suitable actuators may be used with the system (10). In theembodiment shown in FIG. 3, the system (10) includes a track (24)coupled to the eye wear housing (12) and extending longitudinally fromone side of the housing to the other. The coupling members (16) with thecameras (20) positioned thereon are movably coupled to the track (24)by, for example, electrically driven motors, such that each of thecoupling members (16) moves along the track in a longitudinal directionsubstantially parallel to the horizontal axis of the eye, as shown inthis figure. In this embodiment, the cameras (20) are moved from a firstposition having a view vector along the first axis to a second positionhaving a view vector along a second axis, wherein the second axis issubstantially parallel to the first axis.

The actuator further includes a controller (52) that communicates withthe coupling members (16) and/or track (24) to enable manipulation ofthe cameras (20) by a user/physician. The controller (52) maycommunicate via a cable connection (51) or wirelessly (53). In someadvantageous embodiments, the controller (52) actuates each of thecoupling members (16) individually or as a unit. In additionaladvantageous embodiments, each of the cameras (20) has a separateactuator and is actuated separately from the other cameras.

One exemplary embodiment of the coupling member (16) is shown in FIGS.7A and 7B. The coupling member (16) includes a housing (82) that housesthe cameras (20) and the illumination device (22). The housing (82) hasa screen (80) at its proximal end made with any suitable material. Thescreen (80) may be completely transparent and function as a protectivefilm between the cameras and the person's eye. In some advantageousembodiments discussed further below, the screen also functions todisplay an object to the user to facilitate enhanced imaging of the eyeanatomy. In yet further embodiments, the screen (80) may be a lens tofurther improve the imaging of the eye.

A distal end of the housing (82) has a ball-like shape and mates with asocket-like portion (84) of the coupling member. This ball and socketconfiguration of the actuator enables rotary movement of the cameras inall directions, as shown in FIG. 7A. This, in turn, allows the camerasto capture a wide angle of view of the eye anatomy, and in particular,the eye retina. The actuation of the housing portions (82) and (84) iscontrolled via the controller coupled to the device, or may be actuatedmanually by adjusting the position of the cameras in front of theperson's eyes. In this embodiment, when the housing portion (82) pivotsin the housing portion (84), the cameras (20) are moved from a firstposition having a view vector along the first axis to a second positionhaving a view vector along a second axis, wherein the second axis isangularly offset from the first axis. The housing portion (84) can bearranged in system for facilitating translational movement of thehousing, such as the system employing a track (24) described above, suchthat the cameras (20), in addition to pivoted, can also be translatedside to side or up and down.

As discussed above and also shown in FIG. 8, in some advantageousembodiments, the system also includes a screen (90) positioned betweenthe cameras (92) and a person's eye (94). The screen (90) may beattached to the coupling members (16) or may be provided as a separatelayer between the coupling members and the eye. The screen is made ofany suitable substantially transparent material capable of displaying animage (96) to a user. The image (96) is displayed as a static image or adynamic image. Any type of image may be displayed, such as, for example,a red dot or a moving car. The screen (90) is coupled to the processorand the controller via a wired or wireless connection.

When in use, the system (10) is positioned over the person's eye(s) andthe cameras are placed adjacent to the eye(s). In some advantageousembodiments, a diameter of the iris is measured via any suitablemeasurement device. Data about the measured diameter is transmitted to aprocessor to determine a target opening. Based on this data, theprocessor then sends information to a controller for controllingactuation of the cameras to obtain wide angle view images of the eyeanatomy.

As shown in FIG. 8, a static image (96) is then shown on the screen (90)and a person is instructed to focus their eye(s) of the static image. Asthe person's eye(s) remain focused, one or more cameras are actuated toview inside the eye(s) at different angles to obtain a wide angle ofview. The cameras may move individually to obtain images at differentangles, or may move as a unit.

In other embodiments, a dynamic image (98) is shown on the screen (90),and a person is instructed to follow the movement of the image on thescreen. While the person's eye(s) are following the dynamic object (98),one or more cameras are also actuated to move around and obtain variousangles of view of the eye anatomy. Again, the cameras may be actuatedseparately at different angles or may move together as a unit. In oneadvantageous embodiment, the system may utilize software that enablesthe cameras to follow the image from the screen that is reflected fromthe eye(s).

Once the imaging data is captured by one or more cameras, the data istransmitted to the processor for processing. Then, the processed imagedata is transmitted to the display for viewing by the physician. In someadvantageous embodiments, the image data is stored on the storage devicefor later retrieval.

FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate another exemplary embodiment of the system ofthe present invention. In this embodiment, the system (100) is astandalone unit having a housing (110) that can be placed on any flatsurface, such as a table, or can have a support unit for placement ofthe housing on the floor. The housing (110) includes a chin rest (120)and a forehead rest (125) or similar structures to position and align aperson's head. The housing further includes a camera housing (140)movably coupled to the main housing (110). The camera housing (140) hasone or more cameras (150) and one or more illumination devices (152)positioned therein, as shown in FIG. 10. It is understood that twocamera housings may be provided, each with one or more cameras andillumination devices, to provide images of each eye.

As shown in FIG. 9, the top portion of the housing (110) with the camerahousing (140) is movable in a direction toward and away from theperson's head. The movement of the housing (110) is controlled by aninternal controller positioned on the housing or an external controllerpositioned remotely and connected to the housing via a wired or wirelessconnection. When in use, once the person's head is positioned in thechin rest and the forehead rest, the cameras may be positioned at adesired distance from the person's eye(s) by actuating the housing inthe direction shown in this figure.

Once the housing (110) is positioned at a desired distance from theeye(s), the camera housing (140) is actuated in directions substantiallyparallel to the vertical and horizontal axes of the eye to get a wideangle view of the eye anatomy. The actuation is controlled by theinternal or external controller, as discussed above. While the camerahousing (140) is being actuated, the chin rest (120) and the foreheadrest (125) remain stationary to maintain the person's head (130) andeye(s) in the same position. If two camera housings are provided, eachof the housings may move separately from the other, or the two housingsmay move together as a unit.

In some advantageous embodiments, as discussed in more detail above inconnection with FIG. 8, a screen may be provided between the cameras(150) and the person's eye(s). A static and/or dynamic image is shown onthe screen and the person is asked to focus on the image while thecameras (150) move around to capture images of the eye anatomy. Once theimage data is captured by the cameras, it is sent to a processor via awired or wireless connection. The processor processes the image data anddisplays it on a display to be viewed by a physician. The image data mayalso be stored on an internal or external storage device for laterretrieval.

Yet another exemplary embodiment of the system for visualization of eyeanatomy of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 11-13. The systemincludes a housing (210) that has a movable base part (215), a movablecamera housing part (235), a chin rest (220) and a forehead rest (225).Similarly to the device shown in FIGS. 9-10, the housing (210) is astandalone unit that can be placed on any flat surface or can have asupport unit for placement of the housing on the floor.

The camera housing part (235) has one or more cameras (240) and one ormore illumination devices (250) positioned therein, as shown in FIG. 13.It is understood that two camera housings may be provided in accordancewith the present invention, and each housing may have one or morecameras and illumination devices positioned therein.

As shown in FIG. 11, the housing (210) is movable within the base (215)such that the camera housing portion (235) is positioned further orcloser to a person's head (230) positioned in the chin rest (220) andthe forehead rest (225). The movement of the housing is controlled by acontroller positioned on the housing or positioned remotely andconnected to the housing via a wired or wireless connection.

Once the camera housing (235) is positioned at a desired distance fromthe eye(s), the camera housing (230) may be actuated in a directionsubstantially parallel to the vertical axis of the eye, as shown in FIG.12. Additionally, the camera housing (230) may be actuated in adirection substantially parallel to the horizontal axis of the eye(s),as shown in FIG. 13. This allows the cameras (250) to capture a wideangle view image of the eye anatomy. The actuation is controlled by theinternal or external controller, as discussed above. If two camerahousings are provided, each of the housings may move separately from theother, or the two housings may move together as a unit. The image datacaptured by the cameras is sent to a processor via a wired or wirelessconnection, and then the processed data is sent to a display to beviewed by a physician. The image data may also be stored on an internalor external storage device for later retrieval. The camera housing (235)may also include a screen positioned between the cameras (250) and theperson's eye(s) to display a static and/or dynamic image to the person.

It should be noted that, while only certain movements of the cameras(20) are described when discussing the illustrations of particularembodiments, any combination of the camera movements described in FIGS.6B-E, including all such movements, can be implemented in any individualembodiment by combining the various actuation mechanisms describedherein. It should also be noted that, in any of the embodimentsdescribed herein, the camera(s) adjacent one eye may be moved togetherwith or separately from the camera(s) adjacent the other eye. Likewise,in any of the embodiments described herein, the camera(s) adjacent asingle eye may be moved together as a unit or separately.

It should be understood that the foregoing is illustrative and notlimiting, and that obvious modifications may be made by those skilled inthe art without departing from the spirit of the invention. Accordingly,reference should be made primarily to the accompanying claims, ratherthan the foregoing specification, to determine the scope of theinvention.

1. A system for visualization of eye anatomy, comprising: at least onecamera having a view vector along a first axis when in a first position;a housing to which the at least one camera is coupled, wherein saidhousing is configured to engage the head of a patient such that said atleast one camera is positioned adjacent an eye of the patient; and anactuator that moves said at least one camera from the first position toa second position; wherein said at least one camera, when in the secondposition, has a view vector along a second axis that is offset from thefirst axis; and wherein said at least one camera captures a field ofview of at least 180 degrees when moved from the first position to thesecond position.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the second axis isangularly offset from the first axis.
 3. The system of claim 1, whereinthe second axis is substantially parallel to the first axis.
 4. Thesystem of claim 1, further comprising a processor that processes imagedata captured by said at least one camera.
 5. The system of claim 1,wherein said at least one camera comprises a plurality of cameraspositioned adjacent the same eye of the patient.
 6. The system of claim5, wherein each of said plurality of cameras moves separately from theother cameras.
 7. The system of claim 5, wherein said plurality ofcameras move together as a unit.
 8. The system of claim 1, furthercomprising a screen coupled to said housing between said at least onecamera and the eye, wherein said screen displays an image in at leastone of a 2-D format and 3-D format to the user.
 9. The system of claim8, wherein said image is a static image.
 10. The system of claim 8,wherein said image is a dynamic image.
 11. The system of claim 1,further comprising at least one illumination device positioned adjacentsaid at least one camera.
 12. The system of claim 11, wherein the atleast one illumination device comprises a light source having at leastone of a visible, ultraviolet, infrared and near infrared spectrum. 13.The system of claim 1, wherein said housing is a standalone unit furthercomprising a positioning member for positioning the eye relative to saidat least one camera.
 14. The system of claim 1, wherein said housing isconfigured as head-mounted further comprising one or more mountingmembers for positioning the housing on the patient's head.
 15. Thesystem of claim 1, further comprising a storage device that stores imagedata captured by said at least one camera.
 16. The system of claim 1,further comprising a 2-D or 3-D display coupled to said at least onecamera for displaying image data captured by the camera.
 17. The systemof claim 1, wherein said actuator moves said at least one camera fromthe first position to a third position, wherein said camera has a viewvector along the first axis when in the third position.
 18. The systemof claim 1, wherein said at least one camera comprises at least one lensand at least one imaging sensor.
 19. The system of claim 18, whereinsaid imaging sensor comprises a CMOS sensor.
 20. The system of claim 1,wherein said actuator comprises a track coupled to said housing and amoving member coupled to said at least one camera, wherein the movingmember moves along the track.
 21. The system of claim 1, wherein saidactuator comprises a ball and socket actuator that enables rotarymovement of said at least one camera in all directions.
 22. (canceled)23. The system of claim 1, wherein the eye is a first eye of thepatient, further comprising at least one additional camera coupled tosaid housing such that, when said at least one camera is positionedadjacent the first eye of the patient, said at least one additionalcamera is positioned adjacent a second eye of the patient.
 24. Thesystem of claim 23, wherein said at least one camera adjacent the firsteye moves separately from said at least one additional camera adjacentthe second eye.
 25. The system of claim 23, wherein said at least onecamera adjacent the first eye and said at least one additional cameraadjacent the second eye move together as a unit.
 26. The system of claim1, further comprising a tracking system configured to track movement ofthe eye.
 27. The system of claim 1, further comprising a tracking systemconfigured to track movement of at least one structure and/or materialwithin the eye.
 28. A method of visualization of eye anatomy, comprisingthe steps of: engaging a patient's head with a housing having a firstcamera and a second camera coupled thereto such that said first andsecond cameras are positioned adjacent to at least one eye of thepatient, wherein said first camera has a view vector along a first axiswhen in a first position and said second camera has a view vector alonga second axis when in a first position; and moving said first and secondcameras to a second position; wherein said first camera, when in thesecond position, has a view vector along a third axis that is offsetfrom the first axis, and wherein said second camera, when in the secondposition, has a view vector along a fourth axis that is offset from thesecond axis.
 29. A method of visualization of eye anatomy, comprisingthe steps of: positioning at least one camera adjacent to an eye of apatient, wherein said at least one camera has a view vector along afirst axis when in a first position; moving said at least one camera toa second position, wherein said at least one camera, when in the secondposition, has a view vector along a second axis that is offset from thefirst axis; and moving said at least one camera to a third position,wherein said at least one camera has a view vector along the first axiswhen in the third position.
 30. The method of claim 29, furthercomprising the step of capturing image data with said at least onecamera.
 31. The method of claim 29, wherein the second axis is angularlyoffset from the first axis.
 32. The method of claim 29, wherein thesecond axis is substantially parallel to the first axis.
 33. The methodof claim 29, wherein said at least one camera comprises a plurality ofcameras positioned adjacent the same eye of the patient.
 34. The systemof claim 33, wherein the step of moving said at least one cameracomprises moving each of said plurality of cameras separately from theother cameras.
 35. The system of claim 33, wherein the step of movingsaid at least one camera comprises moving said plurality of camerastogether as a unit.
 36. The method of claim 29, wherein the eye is afirst eye of the patient, further comprising the step of positioning atleast one additional camera adjacent a second eye of the patient. 37.The method of claim 29, wherein said at least one camera is coupled to ahousing having a screen between said at least one camera and the eye ofthe patient, further comprising the step of displaying an image via saidscreen.
 38. The method of claim 37, wherein said image is a staticimage.
 39. The method of claim 37, wherein said image is a dynamicimage.
 40. The method of claim 29, further comprising the step ofstoring image data captured by said at least one camera on a storagedevice.
 41. The method of claim 29, further comprising the step ofdisplaying to a user image data captured by said at least one camera.42. The method of claim 41, wherein the image data displayed to the useris an image comprising two or more images captured by said at least onecamera, wherein two or more images are at least partially overlaid tocreate the displayed image.
 43. The method of claim 29, furthercomprising the step of transmitting image data captured by said at leastone camera to a remote location for display to a user and/or storage.44. The method of claim 29, further comprising the step of illuminatingthe eye via at least one illumination device positioned adjacent said atleast one camera.
 45. The method of claim 44, wherein the at least oneillumination device comprises a light source having at least one ofvisible, ultraviolet, infrared and near infrared spectrum. 46.(canceled)
 47. The method of claim 29, further comprising the step ofmeasuring a diameter of an iris and adjusting the position of said atleast one camera based at least in part on the measured diameter. 48.The method of claim 29, further comprising the step of tracking movementof the eye and adjusting positioning of said at least one camera basedon the movement of the eye.
 49. The method of claim 29, furthercomprising the step of tracking movement of at least one structureand/or material within the eye and adjusting positioning of said atleast one camera based on the movement of the at least one structureand/or material within the eye.